Corps news and announcements

by Drum Corps International

Bluecoats

In a recent press release, the Bluecoats announced a series of programs called IN BLUE, which is intended to provide performing arts training and performance opportunities for students living in Northeast Ohio.

"While our drum corps has enjoyed international recognition and success over the years, we'd also like to work toward connecting with more music and performing arts students in our community," said Bluecoats executive director David Glasgow. "The new IN BLUE programs allow us to create specific opportunities for local students to benefit from what the Bluecoats have to offer."

The first IN BLUE program will be "Artistry IN BLUE," a winter color guard program led by Bluecoats board member and local color guard instructor David Stinson.

The Cavaliers announced that Drew Shanefield will replace Richard Saucedo as the corps' brass arranger. Shanefield has previously worked with the Cavaliers as the brass caption head from 1998 to 2000 and as a program consultant from 2002 to 2005. He returns to the Cavaliers design team after most recently serving as the program coordinator for the Bluecoats from 2006 to 2008.

Roland Chavez will leave his post as Crossmen percussion caption head after two years on the job to pursue other interests and focus on his position as director of percussion studies in the Ronald Reagan High School Cluster in San Antonio. Future plans for the corps' percussion program will be announced in the coming weeks.

Phantom Regiment has hired Rick Subel as the corps' color guard caption head and designer for the 2009 drum corps season. A former member of the Cadets and the Blue Devils, Subel returns to Phantom Regiment where he served as an instructor and choreographer from 2005 to 2007. Also on the corps' color guard staff will be choreographer Michael James and instructors Alex Cruz, Andria Foerch, Annie Pelka, KC Perkins and Carrie Short.